FYI, IMPORTANT! Dear members,

Due to the spread of the Coronavirus Covid-19 and the epidemic now affecting Italy, we are receiving a lot of inquiries regarding the attitudes to adopt as an organizer

Information from the Ministry concerning the destinations affected by the virus:

Here is the link to travel advice issued by the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation: Advice by destination

On the other hand, all professionals must consult the following notices:

- the opinions of the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation concerning the country of final destination as well as all the transit points.
- the opinions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the countries of which the passenger has his / her nationalities. Always consider the most restrictive notices!

Travel agency obligations:

The tourism professional has the obligation to comply with these recommendations with the consequence that in the event of a danger occurring to a passenger on a destination advised against, the professional may be held liable. It is advisable not only to constantly consult the latest updates, but also the complete files of each country. Some countries are completely discouraged and others only have regions that are.

Changes to the trip following the coronavirus:

Some providers adjust their services due to the impact of the coronavirus: airlines no longer serve certain airports or cruise lines certain ports, which means that a substantial part of the journey cannot sometimes be made.
In a case like this, it is important to offer alternatives to the traveler: a new departure date later in the year for example.
In the event that the modification would not suit the traveler, since it affects an essential part of the trip, he has the right to cancel free of charge.

Cancellation fees :

Cancellation by the traveler is only possible with a negative opinion from the FPS Foreign Affairs, otherwise the normal cancellation rules included in the general and specific conditions of the travel contract apply.

“Notwithstanding article 29, the traveler has the right to terminate the package travel contract before the start of the package trip without paying termination fees if exceptional and unavoidable circumstances arise at the place of destination or in the immediate vicinity of this, have important consequences on the execution of the package trip or on the transport of passengers to the place of destination.
In the event of termination of the package travel contract under this article, the traveler is entitled to a full refund of payments made for the package trip, but not to additional compensation. "

This clause has no validity in the relations between travel agents and foreign suppliers who could charge them.

Please note: a passenger waiver wishing to travel to a highly inadvisable region has no legal value and does not in any way exempt the travel agent from any liability!
When negotiating contracts, it will therefore always be necessary to provide for a free cancellation clause in the event of travel restrictions following the Minister's opinion, the only way to protect yourself.

Travelers Online Registration

The SPF maintains a free service available at the following address;
It allows passengers to inform the SPF of their movement and therefore to facilitate assistance in the event of a problem.
It is strongly recommended that all passengers register for free.

PROFESSIONAL UNION OF TRAVEL AGENCIES

info@upav.be 
www.upav.be